8.1. Child support grants

There are many children linked to HIV who are in need of help. There is a lot of focus on helping children who have been orphaned by AIDS. But HIV and AIDS combined with poverty makes children vulnerable in a lot of different ways. There are children who have to care for sick adults, children who are infected with HIV and children who experience discrimination. There are many things we can do to assist orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs).
Child support
* The 2009/10 Child Support Grant is R240 a month per child.
* The child must be less than 15 years. (From January 2010 the grant will be for kids under 16, going up to 18 by 2012).
* You can be paid a Child Support Grant if you are the primary (main) caregiver of one or more children.
* To apply for this grant go to your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office, previously known as a Social Development District Office
* If there is no office near you, go to the nearest magistrate's court.
* You will need different papers for different grants. The social worker will give you a list.
* On your first visit, take your ID book and any other proof you have that may be needed for the application.
* The primary caregiver can be a sister or brother, a grandparent, friend or neighbour.
* You do not have to be related to the child or children, but you must be the person who looks after them and takes responsibility for their everyday needs such as food, clothing, schooling and health care.
Foster care Grant
* The Foster Care Grant for 2009/10 is R680 a month per child.
* To apply for this grant go to your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office, previously known as a Social Development District Office
* If there is no office near you, go to the nearest magistrate's court.
* You will need different papers for different grants. The social worker will give you a list.
* On your first visit, take your ID book and any other proof you have that may be needed for the application.
* You can be paid a Foster Care Grant if a child who is found in need of care by the Commissioner of the Child Welfare Court is placed in your care (and you are not the biological parent).
* A Children's Court can order that a child be placed with foster parents for various reasons: the child has no parent or guardian; the child has a parent or guardian who cannot be traced; the child is in the custody of a parent, guardian or any person who is unable or unfit to look after them.


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